Google Chromecast Audio

I am all about music. Since I primarily work from a home office I’m constantly bumping my streaming music services throughout the house at all times of the day (no complains from the neighbors as of yet…)

That being said, when Best Buy approached me and asked if I wanted to check out the new Google Chromecast Audio devices – I immediately jumped on the opportunity.

Why – it’s simple – I can be anywhere in my home, and connect one of these tiny Chromecast Audio devices to my existing speaker and be able to stream (to use Google’s term “cast”) music, tv shows, podcasts, whatever wherever!

I’m an iOS user so I initially thought there would be some limitations versus users on the Android platform, but happily there aren’t, simply

It literally took me more time taking photos of the device for this post than it did to set it up and start casting music – that kind of simplicity I like!

I tested the functionality on both my iPhone and my MacBook Pro and since everything is tied into your Google credentials – all your devices show up after they’re configured once, AND since you stream to the Chromecast Audio via WiFi and not Bluetooth you don’t have that 33 feet limitation. These are going to work beautifully for my backyard audio situation because I currently have Bluetooth enabled speakers, but when I put these Chromecast Audio devices (yeah I have 2) I’m going to instead stream through WiFi and eliminate the issues with loss of signal based on where in the yard I place the speakers.

As far as streaming music services, I’m personally an Amazon Music, Pandora and TuneIn Radio listener. I’m happy to say that those plus all the other big services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Google Play Music are supported on the Chromecast Audio.

Those who know me, know that I only write about products that I actually use and would recommend. That being said, head over to Best Buy and get you one or a few of these. At only $35 each you get a couple and then enable the Multi-room function and have synchronous music blasting in multiple rooms (think something similar to Sonos, but at a much friendlier price point).

If you do get the Chromecast Audio – let me know in a comment below and tell me your experience.

Disclaimer: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

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James is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of HicksNewMedia, a Digital Publishing and Technology Consulting team providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to more effective utilize the social interweb. Follow him on Twitter and on Facebook.